The Opel Insignia Hatchback (A) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI, producing 195 horsepower, was a significant offering in the European D-segment (mid-size) market from December 2011 to June 2013. Positioned as a premium trim within the Insignia range, it aimed to provide a blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality. This variant was built on the GM Delta II platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform), shared with other Opel/Vauxhall and Saab models. It represented a step up from the base engine options, targeting buyers who desired stronger acceleration and improved highway cruising ability without the expense of the flagship models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Hatchback (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI (195 Hp) |
| Start of production | December, 2011 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 125 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 229 km/h (142.29 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm, 266.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 195 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 99.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTR |
| Engine displacement | 1956 cm3 (119.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 517 kg (1139.79 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1465 l (51.74 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the A20DTR, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes a sophisticated bi-turbocharger setup, employing two turbochargers of different sizes. A smaller turbocharger provides quick response at low engine speeds, minimizing turbo lag, while a larger turbocharger delivers increased power at higher RPMs. This configuration results in a broad torque curve, peaking at 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at just 2000 rpm. The engine features a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The valvetrain employs an overhead camshaft (OHC) design. The engine’s design prioritized both performance and fuel efficiency, adhering to the stringent Euro 5 emission standards.
Driving Characteristics
The 195 hp and 400 Nm of torque provided a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-powered Insignia models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 8.9 seconds, making it a competitive performer in its class. The bi-turbo setup minimized turbo lag, providing a relatively linear power delivery. While not as sporty as the V6 models, the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI offered ample power for everyday driving and comfortable highway cruising. The six-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering precise shifts and allowing drivers to effectively utilize the available torque. The gear ratios were tuned for a balance between acceleration and fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI trim typically included a generous level of standard equipment. This often included features such as automatic climate control, alloy wheels (typically 17 or 18 inch), a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was usually a combination of cloth and leatherette, with options for full leather available. Higher trim levels within the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI range could add features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Hatchback (A) featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI models typically had slightly stiffer suspension components compared to the base models to cope with the increased power. Braking systems consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its strong performance, refined engine, and comfortable ride. Fuel economy was also a strong point, with combined figures around 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg). Compared to the lower-powered 1.8L petrol and diesel variants, the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI offered a significant performance upgrade. However, it was more expensive to purchase and maintain than those base models. Compared to the range-topping V6 models, it offered a good balance between performance and cost, appealing to buyers who didn’t need the ultimate in power.
Legacy
The A20DTR engine proved to be a relatively reliable unit when properly maintained. Common issues included diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, particularly on vehicles used primarily for short journeys. Regular oil changes and the use of high-quality diesel fuel were crucial for maintaining engine health. Today, used examples of the Insignia 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and relatively efficient mid-size hatchback. The engine’s robust design and readily available parts contribute to its continued viability in the used car market.
